The term “classic car” may mean different things to different people. If one is currently a senior citizen a classic car may be a very early model such as a 1925 Ford Model T, a 1931 Chrysler CM complete with rumble seat, or a 1942 Buick 49 Special Estate Wagon. If one is a baby boomer, then cars from the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s may be referred to as classic cars. Boomers all remember the family cars from the 50′s, the station wagons from the 60′s, and the great muscle cars from the 60′s and 70′s.
1942 Buick 49 Special Estate Wagon
Movie Cars
Some of the vehicles we all remember best are from films. One of the earliest known movie cars is the 1958 Plymouth Fury that appeared in the Stephen King movie, “Christine.” This bright red, two-door-beauty, had a 3 speed manual transmission. Twenty-seven copies of this car were made for the movie and unfortunately all were destroyed.
1958 Plymouth Fury
In the movie “Thelma and Louise” a 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible was featured. Five were manufactured for the movie and were all in ruins by the end of filming. These vehicle were produced for general sales with three types, a 428 V8 four barrel carb with 345hp, a 390hp V8 four barrel carb with 315hp, and a 390 V8 two barrel carb with 275hp.
1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
A 1972 Ford Gran Torino was the vehicle showcased in the Clint Eastwood movie “Gran Torino.” The movie car featured some modifications such as laser stripes, a fastback, faux hood scoop, and magnum wheels. This car was manufactured for the general market in a non-modified version and became very popular after the movie came out.
1972 Ford Gran Torino
Undoubtedly the most popular movie-muscle car has to be the 1968 Ford Mustang 390 GT fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the movie “Bullitt.” No movie chase seen is as well known as the one featuring this car racing through the streets of San Francisco. The movie cars featured stronger springs and Koni shocks. Two were manufactured for the movie; one was trashed and the other has been sold three times. The most recent owner purchased the vehicle in 1972 and wishes to remain anonymous.
1968 Ford Mustang GT
Most Popular Classic Cars For Purchase
As amazing as it might be to own one of those famous movie cars, many find it quite special and great fun to own one of the classics from the 50′s, 60′s, or 70′s. There are plenty of classic vehicles in circulation that may be available to the general consumer.
Just a few of the vehicles one might find for sale includes: a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, considered a very good year, for about $25,000; a Chevy Impalas from the 60′s may be found ranging in price from about $18,000; a Ford Mustang, with convertibles and fastbacks being most popular, from about $15,000; or the Chevy Camaro, circa 1967-1969, starting at about $20,000. Prices asked for classic cars ranges drastically depending upon the condition the vehicle is in, how well restoration has been completed, and how original the components of the vehicle. If one is seriously considering such a purchase they must love classic cars and they must have the money for this discretionary spending.
1957 Chevy Bel Air
